There are many different fabrics that you encounter on a daily basis in your home, but there is none as versatile as microfiber. What is microfiber you may ask? In short, it is a material that can be manufactured in many different ways in order to create a variety of products for home use. Whether for cleaning, comfort, or drying, microfiber fabric is a favorite the world over. To find out more about microfiber and all it can do for you and your home, read on.

What Is Microfiber Made Of?

Microfiber is a synthetic material that is most commonly made from polyester – a type of plastic combined with a polyamide, usually nylon. The beauty of this man-made product is that these materials can be combined in different ways to create specific characteristics and products ranging from microfiber towels to microfiber sheets, and even microfiber cleaning cloths.

What Are the Benefits of Microfiber?

Since microfiber is manufactured, it is possible to alter the makeup of the materials in order to achieve different properties and benefits as needed per product.

Durable: When it comes to microfiber, its main benefit is its durability. Microfiber can last for years if you take care of it. Although it may have a higher upfront cost than other materials, its long-term durability more than makes up for it.

Water Absorbent: The second most valuable characteristic that microfiber possesses is its water absorbency. It can be produced to be highly absorbent, making it a favorite for cleaning products and bath linens. Microfiber can hold up to seven times its own weight in water.

Water-Repellant: Depending on the way it is manufactured, microfiber can also repel water. This property works especially well in clothing, bed linen, and furniture upholstery.

Cleaning Properties: Microfiber is renowned for its superior cleaning capabilities. Microfiber mops and cleaning cloths pick up and remove dirt from surfaces entirely.
As the microfiber moves across surfaces, it generates a static charge which helps to attract and contain dust rather than spreading it.

Types of Microfiber

There are a number of different types of microfiber, all determined by their average construction and thickness. Each type of microfiber possesses its own unique characteristics which makes it better suited for different uses.

Split-Weave: In order to create a split-weave, the fibers of microfiber are split during manufacturing in order to increase their surface area and make them more absorbent. This process creates thousands of tiny loops within the material that work to collect small dirt particles without any abrasive effects. This type of microfiber fabric is also electrostatically charged, making it so it will attract and hold small pieces of dust and dirt while cleaning.

Flat-Weave: Flat-weave microfiber fabric only has half the moisture absorption abilities as a split-weave. This type of microfiber is often woven so tightly that it repels water instead. This is a particularly useful property for furniture and bedding. Flat-weave microfiber fabric is usually extremely soft and can drape easily which is ideal for curtains.

Tip!

To check what weave your microfiber is made from, run your hand over it. If the fibers cling to your skin, it is split weave, and if it feels smooth to the touch then it is a flat weave.

Microfiber Thickness

Additionally microfibers can be defined by their thickness which makes them more suitable for specific applications.

Lightweight: Lightweight microfiber cloth is thin, light, and extremely soft. Lightweight microfiber cleaning cloth is best used for removing dirt and oil from glass surfaces like your phone screen or eye glasses.

Medium Weight:The most common microfiber thickness is medium weight, which is usually used to produce microfiber towels and microfiber cloths. Medium weight microfiber is best used for drying water or your wet skin, and for the all-purpose cleaning of various surfaces including leather, stone, plastic, and wood.

Plush:Plush microfiber comprises longer and fuller fluffy fibers that create the texture of a fleece blanket. It is great for throw blankets, buffing glassware, and the removal of wax and polish.

Dual-Plush: Microfiber that is dual-plush has long and thick fibers that have a soft and gentle feel. It is used for extra luxurious microfiber towels and to safely dust and clean all surfaces without water.

Micro-Chenille: Micro-chenille cleaning cloths have short and thick fibers most commonly found in dish cloths. They are best used for drying, wiping spills, and even doing the dishes.

Waffle-Weave: Waffle-weave microfiber has a waffle-like pattern. It is most frequently used for dusting and washing with soap.

Different Microfiber Products

Microfiber is used to make an assortment of products from upholstery fabric to bath mats and linens. This flexibility is what makes microfiber such a versatile and multi-purpose product that can meet a variety of needs.

Microfiber Sheets: Microfiber sheets are manufactured from extremely thin fibers that are woven together to create comfortable and lightweight linen. They are available in different weaves such as sateen and percale, all of which are extremely durable, particularly when they are of a higher quality. Microfiber sheets are less prone to shrinking and wrinkling when compared to natural materials such as cotton. To learn more about the differences between microfiber vs. cotton, read our guide Cotton vs. Polyester: Take Your Pick.

Microfiber Towels & Bath Mats: Microfiber towels are soft, lightweight, and easy to fold and carry with you when camping or visiting the beach. They are great at absorbing liquids and can even be wrung out and used again. Microfiber dries out extremely quickly which works well in damp and humid locations, as it helps to prevent the growth of mildew and bad smells. Similarly, microfiber bath mats easily soak up water and quickly dry out between uses.

Kitchen Towels: Microfiber cleaning cloths are a favorite when it comes to mopping up spills, washing and drying dishes, and cleaning surfaces. They are moisture absorbent, quick to pick up dirt and dust, and most times can be used both wet and dry. Thanks to their cleaning efficiency and effective design, microfiber cloths often use lesser amounts of cleaning products.

Upholstery: When microfiber fabric is created for upholstery, it is manufactured to be mostly water repellant and not absorbent. This type of microfiber fabric needs to be soft and durable to make for comfortable furniture. It can create many types of materials including animal-free suede, making it a popular choice amongst homeowners. If you are looking for a microfiber fabric without a full reupholster, consider a microfiber slip to give your seating new life at a budget-friendly price.

How to Clean Microfiber

Caring for microfiber is not overly difficult, there are just a few things to keep in mind.

• It is best to wash microfiber at low temperatures no higher than 60°F.
• It is recommended that you air-dry microfiber since it dries so quickly, however if you need to tumble dry it, do so at a low temperature.
• Avoid washing your microfiber with non-microfiber products as it can pull the lint out of other fabrics and slowly begin to lose its positive charge.
• Don't iron microfiber as it is often made with some sort of polyester which will melt under high temperature.
• Never boil your microfiber fabrics as a cleaning method. Boiling will cause them to lose their form.
• Avoid using fabric softener or static sheets as they will cause the microfiber to begin losing its electromagnetic charge.

When it comes down to it, microfiber is a fantastic option for many products. To add some microfiber fabric to your life, shop now.